QAL Last Post

I have sent out the basic instructions for the QAL.  If you did not get my email, please let me know.  I did not get the requested email addresses from a couple of people so if you send them, I will add you to the list.

This doesn't seem to be my week for cooperation of devices.  I took a photo of the quilt I have on the frame but the PC is not recognizing the camera.  Probably need a new USB cord.

Heidi and I took a longer walk today and it look longer than it should because everyone was out.  Two neighbours stopped their vehicles to chat and it was nice to catch up on their news.  I expected hubby to be concerned but he was listening to videos on the laptop so I am not sure he even knew I was gone.  Probably would have realized when it was supper time.  I am kidding of course.  He is a caring hubby but puts perhaps a bit too much faith in my ability to look after myself.
Have a great weekend,
Blessings,

Design Wall

Note to farmquilter-I did send a QAL email to you.  Perhaps check your SPAM in case it went there.


I have finished the outline for the QAL project and will be sending it out tomorrow.  After that, I will not be accepting any new participants.

It was a bit dreary today with predictions of drizzle so Heidi and I went for our walk early in the morning.  As it turned out, the drizzle didn't arrive but it didn't matter.  The weather was warm enough that the snow continued to melt and I had a whole day to quilt-or do related activities.
I had bought a large flannel backed tablecloth during one of my trips to the dollar store so I got that put up on my design wall.  The one that was there wasn't big enough and it had acquired quite a few threads.  I did use a piece of it for the bottom of the wall.  I probably won't need it but it is there in case I do.  I find these tablecloths make excellent design walls as material really sticks to the flannel and they are cheap.
I cut out the fabric for the final border on my panel quilt.  I am not going to have quite enough  of my preferred fabric to do all of it  but I can add another  print without problem.

I didn't get in my 3000 steps today but I came close.  My breathing was really bad so I only got 2700 plus.  Maybe tomorrow.
Blessings,

New Phone and QAL

Nice to have so many of you interested in the QAL.  I started putting together my centre block at quilt group on Monday.  I got the fabric cut and was starting to sew the pieced together when my machine jammed.  I could sew a bit and then it would jam and stop again.  I spent the rest of the time, plus the weekend and today trying to figure out what is wrong.  I took everything apart cleaned, ran it disassembled and after replacing the bobbin holder with one from another Janome.  Still jamming.  I think it is something to do with the bobbin area but can't find it.  I guess it will have to go to the Janome hospital.  Fortunately I have other machines.
I bought myself a new cell phone today.  The one I have is working fine but I can't synch with my fit bit.  Now I have to go through the process of setting it up.  I have found a company where I can get a good phone plan (that is all they do-no selling of products etc.) so now have to see if they accept my phone.

It has been interesting seeing how many steps I do in a day.  Just my regular activities-no going for walks or exercise, takes almost 2000 steps.  If I can bring it up to 3000 for a week and then four etc., I should be able to gradually work myself up to a decent work out.

dqlts, I need your email so I can send you the QAL instructions.  If there is anyone else who has not yet heard from me, please make sure I have your email.
Blessings,

QAL-First Step

I have sent out the preliminary step to those who indicated they were interested in joining in the QAL.  I am missing the email for one person so Dianne C. if you would provide me with that, I will forward the instructions to you.
If you haven't yet signed up, you have until Mar. 30th.

Have you had an unexpected bill from Canada Customs?  Mine came courtesy of the company that delivered a package to my house a little while ago.  When I picked up the mail today, it included a bill from the company.  After reading it over and determining it wasn't a fake, I saw the it was charges from our favourite government agency.  As I had already paid for the shipping of the parcel when I ordered the product, I was (understandably, I think) irritated to get another charge.
This item was well under $100.00 which I have always understood to be the line in the sand.  Apparently, I was wrong.  The levy is 'at the discretion' of Customs.  I am now in the process of writing to whichever politician is responsible for that portfolio.
My feeling is that there should be a chart where you can check to see if an item is subject to duty and how much. I am sure there are guidelines but they don't seem to be available to the public.
If you have any information that would help, I would appreciate hearing from you.  If you live in a country other than Canada, what is your experience?
This isn't a life or death issue but I think it is unjust to have a cost for something but not tell anyone what it is.  I will let you know what happens.
Blessings,

Trees are Tapped

I didn't get much done yesterday after a sleepless night holding Heidi.  She cried and whimpered all night.  I think it was just because she didn't like the head cone rather than being in any pain.  We took it off yesterday as she is not trying to scratch or bother the surgery area.
I finished another border on the quilt I posted recently.  Just a couple more to add and I will be able to get it on the frame.
You still have time to sign up for the quilt along (QAL). Tomorrow,  I will be contacting all those who indicated their interest and will give you a preliminary step.
My lap quilt will be for my grandson's Christmas gift so I will be well ahead for this year.  I already have his sisters quilt almost done.
Hubby has got the trees tapped for maple syrup gathering although it isn't running very much yet.  I hope it is a better season that last year.
Happy first complete day of Spring,
Blessings,

Heidi's Operation

It has been a bit of a traumatic day today as our Heidi went in for surgery.  All went well and she is home safe and sound.  She was a bit zoned out for the first couple of hours but is quite a bit perkier now.  Poor soul looks so funny with all the hair shaved around one eye and the skin looking bruised.
We did get a bit of shopping down while she was at the vets and I bought a few things at the dollar store for the quilt room.  I found a clear plastic box with a lid that will be great for storing WIP or kits so I got a couple of those.  I also bought an extra large vinyl table cloth with flannel backing to use as a design wall.  The one I have is getting old and not big enough so will take it down tomorrow and put up the new one.
I didn't get any quilting done today but will work on a hand quilted project this evening while watching television.  I want to stay in the same room as Heidi just in case she needs anything.  She is laying down with hubby but I still want to be there.
First day of spring tomorrow.  I hope the weather reflects that.
Blessings,

Pieced Borders

I have been feeling undermotivated the past few days.  A few things have been accomplished but not anything about which I felt excited.  I did finish a customer quilt.  This top was hand pieced by my customer's aunt.  It was only about half done but she wanted to keep it so I put it together and did a simple leaf pattern quilting.  I added a bit of decorative stitching to the binding for interest.

It will look nice draped over a couch or the foot of a bed.  

I was hoping to quilt my mother-in-law's lap blanket next but didn't have any suitable backing so took a look through my UFO's to see what I could find.    I unearthed this panel and the fabric I had stored with it and decided this was a good time to finish it.  I have always wanted to do a quilt with different pieced borders and that will be perfect for this project.

Hubby dug out the snowshoes today so we are planning on a bit of a jaunt tomorrow -probably through the bush.  The sap has started running so he needs to get the trees tapped. It will have to be done while wearing snowshoes because of the depth and softness of the snow.  It should be a good run this year.

Blessings, 

Floating long the Road

It seems that winter might be finally loosening its icy grip.  The temperatures were quite a bit above freezing today and the snow is melting.  The water is also starting to accumulate on the road.  Hubby had to take my car into the village today and he said that it was heavy going in some spots because of the puddles.  I should have told him to take a pair of oars.  His van handles these conditions much better than the car but it was being temperamental.
I finished a customer quilt today and started the large hot pad for church.  I decided to quilt it on my Juki as the fabric is for draperies.  However, the first row is not straight so I will rip out and start again.  I guess I better pin it this time.
Next project on the frame will be my mother in laws lap quilt and then I will get back at some of the UFO's.  I don't have too many as I have tried to keep at finishing a project before going on to another.  That doesn't always happen but I am getting better.
Blessings,

Flowers and Fund Raisers.

Our weather continues to yoyo.  Saturday was nice but it changed around midnight. Sunday brought snow, rain, freezing rain and wind so our church service was cancelled and then the Monday quilt group suffered the same fate.  Today it is lovely.  Tomorrow is our Art Centre meeting and I told my husband that I am going even if I have to walk.
I did finish a customer's quilt and am just getting it ready for the binding now.  My income tax is finished and sent and I am now updating a client's web site.  I haven't really felt a lot like quilting although I have got bits and pieces done.

 I have been trying to get this Amaryllis to bloom for two years and this year it rewarded my patience.  I don't have a great deal of success with most indoor plants other than African Violets and Christmas Cactus so it is a treat to see this in bloom.

The centre of this quilt was donated to our group by a lady.  We added the applique border and finished it.  It is being given to a local agency as a fund raiser.  The picture doesn't really do it justice.  We hope that it helps to raise a lot of money.
Blessings,

Quilting Buddies

I had some bad news yesterday when a friend shared that their beloved dog had been released from its pain.  My heart aches for the family.  Last year, another dear friend had to let their precious fur child go and, again, I suffered with them.
If you are fortunate enough to share your life with a fur or feathered child, you know the day will come when you will have to go on without them.  It is heart wrenching.
Our pets often share our quilting experience with us.  My late and much loved cat loved to sleep near me as I quilted.  Heidi does the same and often will ask to be on the sewing table where she looks out the window while I try not to catch her tail under the machine.  Of course, she takes up too much room and, of course, I should have her stay on the floor but I can't deny those big brown eyes.
Many of you have had your felines make their bed on your quilt while you try to do the top stitching or scatter the fabric you had carefully organized a minute previously.
I would bet that you have made special quilts, clothing and toys for your dear companion and why would you not.  These four legged buddies bring us joy, comfort and friendship.  They never criticize our colour choices or turn up noses at points that don't match or wavy borders.  When we despair over completing a project, they are there to encourage.  When we have been sitting longer than is good for our health they get us to stand up and stretch while letting them out, taking them for a walk or rubbing a soft tummy.
My Heidi adds more to my life than I can ever explain and I expect you have the same relationship with your pet.

Thank you to the many who are expressing interest in my quilt along.   Don't forget to put your clocks ahead this weekend and then enjoy the extra daylight at the end of the day.
Blessings,

Top Finished.

Today feels as though it were more productive than yesterday which is odd because I slept in.  I finished the top for my mother-in-law's lap quilt.

The diagonal strips were cut crosswise from striped fabric and I really like the result.  I didn't have enough fabric to mitre the corners which would have been a better finish.  I am backing it with flannel to make it extra cozy.

I took Heidi for a nice long walk in the afternoon.  The wind was really cold but the sun was shining so it was nice to get outside.  I am trying to add a little more distance each time to build up my stamina again.  I haven't been able to get out much this winter because of the conditions and my breathing problems.

One of my web site customers needs his design updating and I have been trying to remember what I did and where everything had been filed.  I spent a good bit of the afternoon on that and finally got it all figured out.  I renamed some folders and made notes on how a program works so I won't (hopefully) have that problem again.

I have one person signed up for the Quilt Along already.  If you would like to submit your email now, that would be okay.  The deadline for signing up will be the end of March.

Blessings,

Quilt Along.

I don't feel as though I accomplished anything today but I did get a few things done.  I have been getting up earlier lately so have more time. I guess that is why it feels I spent a lot of time doing nothing.  There are always a lot of small necessary things to accomplish.  I cleaned a blockage in the vacuum cleaner and then rinsed out the filters, made some fire starters, cleaned the kitchen floor and vacuumed the carpets.  I had a wool jacket that need a small updating so got that done as well.
I had two sewing machines on the go for a bit as I was straight stitching on one and decorative on the other.
I have decided what I am going to do for the centre block of the quilt along now I just have do get the rest of it together.  I think I should be ready for the beginning of April.

More Info

It will be crib sized and suitable for baby or child up to at least 5 years of age.  It is going to be really scrappy and will include at least two quilting methods.
 You will be able to chose from two centre block patterns.
Participants will sign up and then receive information via email.
It is free.

Hope you will join in,
Blessings,

Another Quilt Finished.

Here is the completed quilt I made with Island Batik.  It is full size and will be going on our guest bed.  I thought taking a photo of it on a snow bank would be a nice idea but it proved to be more difficult than I thought.  First of all, the bank was too high for me to get it spread out properly at the top and, secondly, it kept sliding down the bank.  Of course, I also ended up with snow on the back but that was shaken off easily.  All in all, it didn't turn out to badly.

We went out for a bit last night and it was lovely seeing the stars again.  It has been either snowing or overcast for such a long time that they made a very welcome site.  The weather was nice again today and I took Heidi for a long (ish) walk in the afternoon.  One of our new neighbours was outside so stopped for a chat and caught up on some news.

I did get in a bit of quilting in the afternoon but it was mostly trimming flying geese blocks.  There are so many in the Return of the Geese top that it takes a while to get them done.

Have a super weekend and happy March 1st,

blessings,